Oregon’s Best Artisan Cheesemakers and Where to Try Them: A Locals’ Guide

Serene mountain views, lush forests, and the sound of the mighty Pacific breaking in the distance – there’s no place quite like Oregon. For those culinary adventurers, Oregon is a trove of delight, offering a sparkling craft beer scene, booming wine vineyards, and perhaps most scrumptiously, an incredible array of artisan cheese! Here’s the straight-shootin’ guide to ten of Oregon’s best artisan cheesemakers and where to sample their amazing produce.

1. Rogue Creamery

Nestled along the Rogue River in Central Point, the prestigious Rogue Creamery is renowned internationally for their sublime smoky blue cheeses. Drop by their cheese shop where you can enjoy free samples and don’t forget to take away their award-winning “Rogue River Blue.” Visitors from Portland can enjoy a scenic drive down the historic Rogue Valley while experiencing some best cheese that Oregon has to offer.

2. Tillamook Creamery

Steeped in history, Tillamook Creamery on the breathtaking Northern Oregon Coast is famous for exceptional cheddars. Open daily with free admission, visitors can partake in self-guided factory tours that end with generous cheese samples. So, grab a grilled cheese sandwich from their onsite restaurant and kick back on the patio for an indulgent day out.

3. Ancient Heritage Dairy

Steps away from the urban jungle of Portland, the Ancient Heritage Dairy is a haven of artisanal, sheep-based dairy delights, such as their “Hannah” cheese, a semi-hard delicacy to die for! Wander around the pearly white Samish Bay, which is but a stone’s throw away, with some handcrafted cheese for company.

4. Face Rock Creamery

The beautiful coastal town of Bandon is home to the Face Rock Creamery, known for its masterfully crafted cheddar, cheese curds, and specialty hard cheeses. Try a mouthful of their delicious Vampire Slayer curds, and while you’re there, check out their fun watching window to observe cheese production live.

5. Briar Rose Creamery

Venture out to the foothills of Dundee Hills wine country where you’ll find Briar Rose Creamery. This quaint cheesemaker specializes in fresh and aged goat cheese. Their truffle-infused cheese, Truffle Butterkäse, is a celebratory feast packed in a wheel. Pair it with some local pinot for a decadently delicious afternoon.

6. Willamette Valley Cheese Co.

A family-owned creamery, situated in the pastoral Willamette Valley, offers a broad array of cheeses with a special focus on Gouda. Their creamy Boerenkaas Gouda, aged to perfection, is a must-try. After treating yourself, do visit a nearby winery to enjoy a true taste of Oregon’s bounty.

7. Pholia Farm

Head off the beaten track eastward into Rogue River Valley to find the Pholia Farm in Elkton, where they produce unique, aged, raw-milk goat cheeses. This off-grid, family-run homestead offers tours by reservation. Get a taste of Oregon’s sustainable agricultural practice along with a wedge of their delicious “Hillis Peak.”

8. Portland Creamery

Keeping things simple, the Portland Creamery focuses on churnin’ out scrumptious goat cheeses. Their Oregon Chevre is a versatile delight, easily enjoyed with local honey or paired with a robust Oregon-brewed stout. Visit their weekend farmers markets in downtown Portland, a true Oregonian experience.

9. Rivers Edge Chèvre

Perched on the scenic banks of the Siletz River in Logsden, Rivers Edge Chèvre offers delightful goat cheeses. Visits are by appointment only but it’s well worth planning ahead to taste their savory “Up in Smoke” cheese, wrapped and smoked in maple leaves.

10. Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy

Perched high in the Cascade Range in Lowell, Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy offers all-natural raw, goat milk cheeses. Try their Mt. Chanterelle, a moist, soft cheese with a natural rind, a real treat for the taste buds as well as the eyes.

There you have it, fellow cheese lovers, a curated list of Oregon’s finest artisan cheesemakers – each an unequivocal testament to Oregon’s luscious landscapes, passionate farmers and cheesemakers. So why wait, take this journey to indulge in Oregon’s curdy best, while basking in the natural beauty that is quintessentially Oregon. Bon appétit!